MCC to play Lords and Commons
Published: 06 June 2011

MCC will play a Lords and Commons side, featuring Sports Minister Hugh Robertson, at Lord’s on Friday 10 June.

Former Oxford University player James Morris MP captains the Lords and Commons side which also features Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls and Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander.

MCC will be lead by former Kent and England all-rounder Matthew Fleming and will also feature former England Women’s captain Clare Connor.

It is the first time the annual fixture has taken place at the Home of Cricket since 1939.

The match will be followed by a reception in the Long Room, to raise awareness of the Chance to Shine campaign - the Cricket Foundation’s initiative to reinvigorate state school cricket.

Throughout the day approximately 100 children from Chance to Shine schools will compete in a Kwik Cricket Tournament on the Nursery Ground.

Fantastic campaign

The Minister for Sport, Hugh Robertson MP, said: "Chance to Shine is the Cricket Foundation’s fantastic charitable campaign that encourages young people from all backgrounds to take up cricket.

"I hope that as many cricket lovers as possible will come together to raise the profile of this terrific cause."

Lord’s and Commons captain James Morris MP added: "I am very much looking forward to what should be a great day. Hopefully both teams can provide some good entertainment to help raise awareness of Chance to Shine."

Support

Matthew Fleming, who sits on the MCC Committee, said: "MCC, through the MCC Spirit of Cricket campaign, is a big supporter of Chance to Shine, which does great work in introducing cricket to hundreds of thousands of children each year.

"With widespread political support for Chance to Shine, it seemed fitting to return the MCC v Lords and Commons fixture back to Lord’s after such a long absence in order to highlight the excellent work of the charity."

History

MCC can boast 36 victories in this annual fixture and Lords & Commons eight, with 21 drawn matches. Lords & Commons Cricket Club were last successful in 2003.

The Ground Admission charge for the MCC v Lords & Commons match on Friday 10th June is £5 for adults, £2.50 for adults over 65 and free admission for children under 16. Gates will open at 10am.